Home Blog Page 44

News Briefs 06/12/2015

0

RIDE A BIKE ON UTAs

Outdoor Recreation, in conjunction with the Fitness and Sports Center, offers FREE bike rentals to UTA members from now through September. Male and female beach cruisers, including helmets and locks will be located in front of the Fitness Center and issued by Force Support Squadron fitness personnel. Due to a limited supply, only 10 bikes will be made available each UTA weekend. Mountain bikes are available by special request only through Outdoor Recreation. For more information, call ODR at 951-655-2816 or the Fitness Center at 951- 655-2292.

CCAF GRADUATION CEREMONY

Please join us in celebration as the next group of Community College of the Air Force graduates receive their diplomas. The event will be at the Cultural Resource Center on base on July 12, 2015 at 10 a.m. Uniform of the day.

BACK STREET CAFÉ UTA SCHEDULE

The Back Street Café has begun renovation of the dining area. Food operations have relocated to the Wright Brothers Bar located on the east side of the Hap Arnold Club. Entrances from Adams Ave. can be used as well as available parking across from the Ballroom entrance.

Food operations begin for the A-UTA weekend on June 6 and will continue throughout the renovation. Operating hours will remain the same and a limited menu will be available with most of your favorite items, excluding pizza.

An express food service will be available in the Atrium as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room.

The newly renovated state-of-the-art facility will feature new lighting and furniture, an improved serving line, digital menu boards, a revamped menu, and new stations such as a self-serve salad bar and Starbucks coffee stations.

We appreciate your patience during this renovation and are committed to continue to provide quality service and support to the Team March community.

Visit MarchFSS.com or “Like” them on Facebook at “MarchFSS” to stay up-to-date.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MILITARY YOUTH CAMP

The Air Force Service Activity (AFSVA) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for military youth at Island Lake Camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania during the weeks of 4-17 Aug 15.

Active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve youth, ages 8-13 years or 3rd – 8th grades as of Sept 1, 2015, are eligible to apply.

Interested youth must submit a Scholarship Application and Essay on “The reasons why I should be selected to attend Island Lake Camp.” The application is due electronically not later than June 15 to Penny Dale at penny.dale@us.af.mil. Selections will be announced June 19.

Island Lake Camp will provide lodging, meals and program costs while at camp. Island Lake Camp also provides transportation to/from the following designated pick-up locations: Yonkers or Queens, N.Y.; Paramus or Livingston, N.J.; Philadelphia, Penn. Parents unable to meet at a designated pick-up location are responsible for transportation to/from Island Lake Camp. Transportation from local airports is not provided.

Information about Island Lake Camp is available at www.islandlake.com. For more information regarding the scholarships or application process, contact Penny Dale at DSN 395-7251 or penny.dale@us.af.mil.

LOCAL TRAFFIC IMPACTED 4TH OF JULY

Please be aware of the Fourth of July Parade activities that could have traffic impacts on your operations and access to your facilities or the front gate.  The City of Moreno Valley has designated the corner of Cactus Avenue and Veterans Way as the check in location for their 4th of July Parade floats/participants.

Parade check in on Saturday, July 4, begins at 7:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:30 a.m.

Parade check-in traffic will be directed to proceed south on Interstate 215 and exit east on Cactus Ave. to Veterans Way. Traffic checking in and coming from other routes will be directed to travel south on Day St. to east on Alessandro to south on Elsworth to east on Cactus to Veterans Way; or south on Graham to west on Cactus to Veterans Way; or west on Cactus from points beyond to Veterans Way. 

In addition, the widening of the eastbound lanes on Cactus Avenue is in progress, so please plan accordingly.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 6 a.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.—Intro TRX; 11 a.m.—Virtual Spin

Tuesdays: 11 a.m.—Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.—Circuit Training

Wednesdays: 6 a.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 11 a.m.—Zumba; 12:15 p.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m—Battle Ropes Circuit Training

Thursdays: 11 a.m.—Virtual Spin; 12:15 p.m.— Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.— Circuit Training

Fridays: 10 a.m.— Zumba; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.— Intermediate TRX; 11:15 a.m.— Virtual Cardio

UTA Saturdays: (A UTA) 5 p.m.—Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” (B UTA) 5-7 p.m.—Pick-up Basketball

Daily activities include:

For more information, visit the Fitness Center or call 951-655-2284.

LEARN TO FLY AT AERO CLUB

The March Aero Club offers flight training (flying, private license, ground school, instrument training) at a very reasonable rate including a pay-as-you-go plan with zero down. Visit them in Hangar 355 on base or call 951-655-3875 for more information.

NORTON-MARCH REUNION

Former 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, Tim Wrighton, announces the Norton-March reunion at March Field from June 18-20, 2015. Visit www.norton-marchaircrew.org to learn more and to register. Access from government computers may be limited, so you may have to go to the site from a computer that is not on the base network.

CONSTRUCTION AT CACTUS AVE & RIVERSIDE DR:

The City of Moreno Valley has removed the “No Right Turn” sign at Cactus/Riverside (east bound) and will see how it goes. They warned that during construction, the turn radius is not enough for tractor trailer/delivery trucks and it will be a problem for those vehicles. Please have your delivery trucks use the Heacock/Meyers entrance to the area to avoid problems with the construction crew. If a problem arises with the vehicle traffic while the construction crew is relocating the traffic signal and installing traffic modifications at the Riverside/Cactus intersection the “No Right Turn” sign will be put up again and enforced. Hopefully this will make things easier for all while the street widening project is going on. If you have any questions contact the March Community Planner and Liaison at 951-655-2236.

FOURTH COMBAT CAMERA TO INACTIVATE JULY 11

March Air Reserve Base’s 4th Combat Camera Squadron is scheduled to inactivate at a ceremony held in Hangar 452 on July 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. Team March members are invited to attend the ceremony and congratulate them on a job well done.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. Sally’s Alley is also now open every Pre-UTA Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

2015 CIVILIAN TSP CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

Calendar year 2015 has 27 pay periods since the last pay day falls on Jan. 1, 2016 (a Federal holiday), which means you will be paid one day earlier on Dec. 31, 2015. 

If you are under the Federal Employees Retirement System and you wish to receive the maximum agency matching contributions for 2015, you must ensure you do not reach the $18,000 contribution limit before the last pay day of the year.  If you reach the contribution limit before the last pay period you will not receive matching contribution for the pay period (s) that no contributions were made.

If you want to distribute your TSP contributions over the remaining pay periods in 2015, update your election in the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).  If you decide to change your election, take into consideration the effective date of your election and how many pay periods remain in the year.    

For additional information on contribution limits and effective dates, visit the MyPers website and search “Thrift Savings Plan contribution limit”.

Civil Affairs Command completes change of command, ready for more Pacific operations

0
U.S. Army photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Van Tuinen

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – Blue California skies and beautiful weather served as the backdrop for the pageantry and ceremony as Soldiers of the 351st Civil Affairs Command welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony at March Air Reserve Base, California on June 6.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Stephen K. Curda stepped down from his near three-year tenure as the unit’s commanding officer, while Brig. Gen. William P. Barriage assumed command of the unit. Officiating over this general officer change of command was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Maj. Gen. Daniel R. Ammerman.

Attending the ceremony were the Curda and Barriage families, a number of dignitaries, including the Mayor of Upland, California, Ray Musser, and dozens of senior officers representing nearly all the Defense Department’s services. The formation of Soldiers was composed of the subordinate units of the 351 CAC, which encompasses three brigades and eight battalions stationed throughout the western United States to include Hawaii.

Prior to an inspection of the Soldiers by the general officers, the ceremony included four volleys of cannon fire from the 75th Training Command’s salute battery, which fired blank, but thunderous rounds to honor Ammerman, who deferred the honors to Curda.

While addressing the attendees, Ammerman praised Curda for his accomplishments while in command and his over three-decade career.

“You’ve added to your long list of accomplishments during this command,” Ammerman said.

“These accomplishments include your efforts to transition the command from Operation Enduring Freedom and Horn of Africa into activities supporting theater security cooperation with United States Pacific Command and the United States Army, Pacific,” he said.

The unit was earlier this year officially aligned with operational control under U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) to support civil-military operations in the Pacific Rim. This new relationship has also developed a stronger cooperation between the 351 CAC and the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC), the senior Army command under USPACOM.

Representing Gen. Vincent Brooks and USARPAC at the ceremony was the guest speaker, the Deputy Commanding General, Army Reserve, Brig. Gen. Brian E. Alvin.

Alvin thanked Curda for his distinguished service, while welcoming Barriage to command at the 351 CAC. He recognized the contributions the 351 CAC has made under its new relationships.

“351st Civil Affairs Command greatly enhances capabilities in the USARPAC AOR [area of responsibility], while ensuring we are fully capable to responding to regional and local challenges,” he said.

Alvin, quickly itemized scope of the Pacific theater that include 36 countries, six of the world’s largest standing armies, more than a thousand different languages, all spread across 16 time zones.

“The culture and complexity of the theater is challenged by numerous threats, such as insurgencies, natural disasters, food and water security and human trafficking, just to name a few,” he explained.

Alvin said the 351st would play an important role in the Rebalance to Asia, as USARPAC would continue to employ reserve units in engagements and exercises in the region through concepts like Pacific Pathways.

The incoming commander, Barriage is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He came from the 75th Training Command in Houston, Texas with several previous command positions in the Civil Affairs community. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

“The 351st Civil Affairs Command is an outstanding organization with a tremendous legacy and achievement of service,” Barriage said after assuming command.

He thanked Curda for his time in command and for his accomplishments during that time and the sacrifices his family made while he commanded the unit. He thanked Ammerman for having the confidence in his leadership to assume command of the 351 CAC.

“I’m proud to be with you,” he concluded.

The outgoing commander, Curda, is the first Korean-American to reach the rank of brigadier general in the Army Reserve. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He served in several commands in the Army civil affairs community. As a civilian, Curda holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology and is an educator and administrator in higher education.

Curda thanked his family, his Soldiers, Brooks and Ammerman for supporting him in his command. He recounted the success the command enjoyed during his tenure, while acknowledging the challenges the command faced to achieve those successes.

“This was the best job I could have asked for – what made it special was because of all of you,” Curda said. “It’s always about the people.”

The 351 CAC, based in Mountain View, California, is the commanding headquarters for more than a dozen U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs units located throughout the western United States. Civil Affairs has a unique role in military operations, international disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, as these Soldiers often coordinate between foreign civilian agencies and U.S. efforts abroad. The U.S. Army’s Civil Affairs forces are primarily composed of Army Reserve Soldiers, who bring their civilian expertise, as well as Army experience to operations throughout the world. The 351 CAC primarily supports operations throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.

OPM data hack may cause extra alarm for troops

0

The largest data hack in government history could leave some troops at risk of having their personal information exploited or exposed.

Current and former federal employees began receiving troubling emails from the executive Office of Personnel Management on Monday, notifying them that their personal information was compromised in a massive data breach made public earlier this month. Up to 4 million people may have been affected by the breach, which federal officials said they believe is linked to a Chinese cyber attack.

Media outlets reported that FBI and Secret Service officials, and even cabinet secretaries, may have been victims of the breach. It’s not clear, though, how many active-duty or former troops may be among those affected.

Samuel Shumach, an OPM spokesman, did not say how many service members were estimated to be among the victims, but clarified that the vulnerable are a very specific population.

“No active-duty service member or contractor data was exposed in this incident unless an individual has previous federal civilian service,” he said, adding those affected would be notified between June 8 and June 19 on a rolling basis.

But for troops who fall into this category — particularly those with security clearances — the dangers of having pirated information exposed may be especially high.

Paul Rosenzweig, founder of the homeland security consulting company Red Branch consulting and a senior adviser to The Chertoff Group, said he worried that private information in security clearance questionnaires might be used by a foreign government to blackmail troops and other clearance holders into compromising actions.

“All your overseas deployments, who you know, how you spend your money, prior bad acts, embarrassments ranging from affairs to drug use,” said Rosenzweig, listing information he believed might come to light through the data breach. “… I hold a security clearance myself and I’ve been sitting here thinking of a half-dozen things I haven’t told my wife.”

Though all the sensitive information in the forms was known to the government, there was the risk, he said, that clearance holders might wish to withhold certain facts from spouses or loved ones.

But Andrew Borene, a cybersecurity expert with the Truman National Security Project and a former Marine intelligence officer, said it was unlikely the data could be used for effective blackmail.

“The [forms have] a lot of data, but it lines up with public records anyway,” he said, adding that the questionnaires aren’t used to list prior indiscretions or embarrassments that might otherwise be hidden.

A more threatening prospect, he said, was the potential that stolen information could be used to perpetrate fraud against service members.

Marine Corps Staff Director Maj. Gen. James Laster warned troops to be alert following the data breach in a June 5 announcement that focused on fraud and identity theft risks. He encouraged affected Marines to take advantage of free credit monitoring services and identity theft insurance provided by OPM, and to brush up on existing Corps policies regarding online safety habits and information sharing.

“Our commandant would like for this information and mitigation measures to be shared with all personnel down to the lowest level possible throughout your commands and organizations,” he wrote.

Borene said troops should be on the alert for sophisticated “spear phishing” techniques in which hackers use personal information to create personalized emails that appear to be from a boss or someone else the hacking victim knows.

“If anything looks suspicious, check with the person you know,” he said. “If you mouse over a link to a URL and it shows you the address and the address doesn’t match, that would be something not to open.”

Borene and Rosenzweig agreed the incident should push federal officials to improve security practices and to take the prospect of cyber attacks more seriously.

“There is no question that the federal government as a whole, including Congress, really needs to wake up to the immediacy of cyber threats,” Borene said.

He recommended that Congress move to authorize executive agencies to better collaborate with the private sector in order to safeguard information into the future. The net result of the data breach could be positive, he said, if it were taken seriously.

“It might do good things for operational security across the Pentagon if large numbers of clearance holders became concerned,” Borene said. “It might help to raise individual awareness about responsibility.”

If there is stolen personal data that could be used for blackmail, Rosenzweig suggested that the military branches reach out to clearance holders and inform them that they can disclose any threats they receive to the government with no negative consequences. Those targets would likely include more senior troops with more authority and status, he said. And if it is a coordinated enemy attack, Rosenzweig said, the impact may be felt for decades.

“To me, if it’s the Chinese, it’s going to play out over the next 30 years,” he said.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month

0

Diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride month, we celebrate our rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equity. The dedication and contributions of our Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) service members and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) civilians have had immeasurable impact on our National Security and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Our nation was founded on the principle that the individual has infinite dignity and worth. The DOD, which exists to keep the nation secure and at peace, must always be guided by this principle. In all that we do, we must show respect for the serviceman, the servicewoman, the civilian employee, and family members, recognizing their individual needs, aspirations, and capabilities.

This month we acknowledge the painstaking labor of Americans—sung and unsung—whose personal sacrifices and determination were instrumental in the struggle for civil rights.

Technical Sergeant Leonard P. Matlovich was a Vietnam War veteran, voluntarily serving three combat tours, and later as a military race relations instructor. He earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was also the first gay service member to purposely out himself, to challenge the ban on homosexuals in the military. Matlovich wrote a letter to his commanding officer, revealing his homosexuality and asking for an exception to be made because of his service record.

The officer looked at it and said: “Just tear it up and we will forget it.” He refused.

Matlovich’s fight to stay in the U.S. Air Force after coming out became a cause that the gay community rallied around.

His case was covered in newspaper and magazine articles throughout the country, numerous television interviews, and in a television movie. His photograph appeared on the cover of the September 8, 1975, issue of Time magazine, making him a symbol for thousands of gay and lesbian service members and the LGBT community.

In his last public speech, Matlovich said, “…I want you to look at the flag, our rainbow flag, and I want you to look at it with pride in your heart, because we too have a dream. And what is our dream? Ours is more than an American dream. It’s a universal dream. And our mission is to reach out and teach people to love, and not to hate.”

On June 22, 1988, less than a month before his 45th birthday, he died beneath a large photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his hospital room.

On December 22, 2010, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Repeal Act became law. Certification occurred in July 2011, and full implementation of the Act occurred in September 2011. LGB military members can now serve openly, with honor and integrity.

In 2012, Army Reserve officer Tammy Smith was promoted to Brigadier General. She also publicly acknowledged her sexuality, making her the first general officer to come out while still serving.                     

“All of those facts are irrelevant,” she said. “What is relevant is upholding Army values and the responsibility this carries.”

But Smith’s pinning ceremony marked an important milestone for gay rights advocates, giving the movement its most senior public military figure. Today she serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Reserve.

On April 28, 2014, the Pentagon released an update to the DOD Human Goals Charter, which for the first time included language related to sexual orientation in the section dealing with the military.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Martin E. Dempsey noted at the signing,  that 67 years ago in June, President Harry S. Truman spoke about civil rights and human freedom—particularly the necessity for the federal government to remain a friendly, vigilant defender of the rights and equalities of all Americans.

Diversity and inclusion are readiness imperatives; we rely on our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise to enable us to address the complex challenges of the global security environment. Diversity is more than race, gender, and ethnicity—among other things, it means diversity of thought, ability, background, language, culture, and skill.

Drought exposes Civil War veteran’s grave in Monterey County lake

0
Vern Fisher, Monterey Herald

BRADLEY, Calif. — Joseph Botts Jr. stepped out of his pickup truck into a scrubby, sunbaked field of salt grass and mustard weed and bent over a granite slab bearing a worn inscription: “Corp’l John McBride.”

The retired park ranger has known about the Civil War veteran’s gravesite for most of his life. But for much of the past half-century, McBride’s remains and the tiny ghost town where he met his fate lay at the bottom of a reservoir, submerged due to a thirsty state’s need to corral every drop that flows through its parched ravines.

Now California’s historic drought has shrunk Monterey County’s Lake San Antonio to a fraction of its former size, exposing McBride’s headstone to sunlight for the first time in decades. The re-emergence of the 128-year-old gravesite has inspired Botts, one of the few locals who even remember it exists, to ensure the veteran’s burial place and his memory are preserved.

“He was probably an unemployed soldier looking for a quiet way of life in a peaceful valley,” Botts said recently while showing off the site.

Shortly before Botts retired from the park service in April, a camper found McBride’s headstone in the desiccated lake bed and delivered it to park headquarters. Botts brought it back to McBride’s gravesite, which he’d remembered from his childhood, and fastened the headstone to it with a metal bracket.

“It was for the honor of who’s resting there,” Botts said. “You don’t screw around with something like that.”

An Irish immigrant, McBride survived the Civil War only to be killed two decades later in an argument on a California ranch. His grave and a few building foundations are all that remain of Pleyto, a rural town that was flooded in 1965 to create the reservoir.

The town, sometimes spelled “Pleito” or “Plato,” was settled in 1868 as a stagecoach stop between Gilroy and Los Angeles. In its heyday in the 1890s, it boasted no more than a few dozen inhabitants, with a single store, hotel, post office and blacksmith shop.

With little commerce besides ranching and farming, the post office closed in 1925, and the town’s residents gradually packed up and left.

“It’s just one of those ephemeral places in the West,” said Ann Beckett, a local historian and co-author of the book “Images of America: San Antonio Valley.” “Making your living there was so grim that the town just went away.”

But McBride’s remains never left. Born in Ireland around 1825, he lived in St. Louis before joining the Union Army in Illinois at the age of 36, according to Civil War records maintained by the Illinois state archives. He served from 1861 until 1864 and fought in a number of major campaigns, including the 1864 Battle of Nashville. Then, he disappeared from history until 1887 — the year of his death.

“They couldn’t make contact with any of the relatives,” said Botts, who grew up on an 8,000-acre ranch adjacent to the burial ground. “So they thought they’d just leave him.”

In the early 1960s, Botts’ school bus would rumble along the dirt road past old Pleyto and across the San Antonio River, now the middle of the lake. When the river flooded, postal workers would transport mail over the water in a hand-cranked cable car.

But Botts’ earliest memories of Pleyto are of nothing but old foundations and a bridge. It was a ghost town long before engineers laid the foundation of the San Antonio Dam.

Park ranger Jon Anthony estimates it’ll take 20 to 25 more feet of water to submerge McBride’s gravesite once more — one rainier-than-average year.

Botts said that wouldn’t trouble him.

“If he’s remembered,” Botts said, “it doesn’t make any difference where he is.”

At that time, according to handwritten court records from that era, McBride — who also went by either John “Marigan” or John “Madigan,” depending on whom you asked — was working as a ranch hand for the developer who settled Pleyto.

He was herding cattle on horseback one March evening when he got into an argument with a neighboring rancher named Henry Godfrey. During the confrontation, McBride reached behind his horse’s saddle — and Godfrey, fearing he was going for a weapon, fired his shotgun at McBride’s chest.

“McBride fell off his horse and said, ‘I’m killed,’” reported one witness.

Authorities never determined if McBride was armed. But Godfrey claimed self-defense and eventually was acquitted of murder charges, according to the records of his trial.

“It’s a tragic story,” said James Perry, a Monterey County historian who unearthed Godfrey’s 65-page trial record in county archives after being asked about the mystery of John McBride.

Still, much about McBride’s life has been lost to the ages. He was discharged from the Union Army at a lower rank — private — than corporal. But Gwen Podeschi with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Illinois said this wasn’t necessarily a sign of demotion.

“Quite often, these men decide they just don’t want to serve as a corporal anymore,” she said.

She also said it was common for veterans to turn west after the war. Why some said they knew him by other names is a mystery. Perry said it could be a hint of trouble in his past, though he noted it wasn’t uncommon in the 19th century for men to go by different names.

McBride was buried in a knoll by himself, a short distance away from where a handful of townspeople and other Civil War veterans had been buried in the old town cemetery. In the early 1960s, local officials relocated the cemetery to higher ground before filling what would become the Lake San Antonio reservoir in 1965.

But McBride remained.

Men’s Health Month – focus on prostate cancer

0

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them.

A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test may find a prostate health problem, but treatment can cause serious side effects. Learn about prostate cancer and talk to your doctor before you decide to get tested or treated for prostate cancer.

Many men with prostate cancer—especially those with tumors that have not spread beyond the prostate—die of other causes without ever having any symptoms from the cancer.

Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It is the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic men, and the fourth most common cause of death from cancer among Asian/Pacific Islander men.

Research has found risk factors that increase your chances of getting prostate cancer. These risk factors include—

Age: The older a man is, the greater his risk for getting prostate cancer.

Family history: Certain genes (the functional and physical units of heredity passed from parent to offspring) that you inherited from your parents may affect your prostate cancer risk. Currently, no single gene is sure to raise or lower your risk of getting prostate cancer. However, a man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease himself.

Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all. Some symptoms of prostate cancer are:

Difficulty starting urination

Weak or interrupted flow of urine

Frequent urination, especially at night

Difficulty emptying the bladder completely

Pain or burning during urination

Blood in the urine or semen

Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away

Painful ejaculation

If you have any symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. Keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.

Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.

As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others. PSA levels also can be affected by:

Certain medical procedures.

Certain medications.

An enlarged prostate.

A prostate infection.

Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results. For more information, see your doctor or visit cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm.

Reduce your risk during National Safety Month

0

Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries. During National Safety Month, the 452nd Air Mobility Wing safety office is spreading the word to Team March members to help reduce the risk of injuries. This month, they encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls.

•Prescription painkiller abuse: Prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose – more than four times as many as back in 1999.

•Transportation safety: Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating–distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost one in five crashes (17 percent) that injured someone involved distracted driving.

•Slips, trips, and falls: One in three older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems.

You can make a difference. Find out ways to help reduce the risk of these and other safety issues. Visit healthfinder.gov, the national safety council or contact the 452 AMW safety office at 951-655-

Air Force elevates discharge authority for transgender-related Airmen separations

0

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Air Force leaders announced June 4 a change to the decision authority for involuntary separations for enlisted Airmen diagnosed with gender dysphoria or who identify themselves as transgender.

“Though the Air Force policy regarding involuntary separation of gender dysphoric Airmen has not changed, the elevation of decision authority to the director, Air Force Review Boards Agency, ensures the ability to consistently apply the existing policy,” said Daniel Sitterly, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

This change follows a similar one instituted by the Army in March of this year.

Neither gender dysphoria nor self-identification as transgender is an automatic circumstance that generates involuntary separation. A recommendation for discharge because of gender dysphoria must be supported by a report of evaluation by a psychiatrist or Ph.D.-level clinical psychologist. In addition, after consultation with medical professionals, there must be a commander determination that the condition interferes with duty requirements — including potential deployment — or duty performance. Identification as transgender, absent a record of poor duty performance, misconduct, or a medically disqualifying condition, is not a basis for involuntary separation.

If command recommends involuntary separation of an enlisted Airman for gender dysphoria or for another reason and the enlisted Airman has self-identified as transgender, separation action will be reviewed by the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council for recommendation, and then to the AFRBA director, for decision.

Officer involuntary administrative separation decision authority remains with the AFRBA director.

Celebrate “Old Glory’s” 239th year on Flag Day

0
America’slibrary.gov

Sunday, June 14, is Flag Day! On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence.

On June 14, 1777, John Adams spoke about the flag at a meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He said, “Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” There have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag so far; stars have been added to it as states have entered the Union. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state.

Many Americans sing, pledge, and pay respect to the flag, “Old Glory,” as a symbol of the country’s democracy and independence. Saluting the flag is a way to celebrate and honor the United States of America.

News Briefs 06/05/2015

0

BACK STREET CAFÉ UTA SCHEDULE

The Back Street Café has begun renovation of the dining area. Food operations have relocated to the Wright Brothers Bar located on the east side of the Hap Arnold Club. Entrances from Adams Ave. can be used as well as available parking across from the Ballroom entrance.

Food operations begin for the A-UTA weekend on June 6 and will continue throughout the renovation. Operating hours will remain the same and a limited menu will be available with most of your favorite items, excluding pizza.

An express food service will be available in the Atrium as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room.

The newly renovated state-of-the-art facility will feature new lighting and furniture, an improved serving line, digital menu boards, a revamped menu, and new stations such as a self-serve salad bar and Starbucks coffee stations.

We appreciate your patience during this renovation and are committed to continue to provide quality service and support to the Team March community.

Visit MarchFSS.com or “Like” them on Facebook at “MarchFSS” to stay up-to-date.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MILITARY YOUTH CAMP

The Air Force Service Activity (AFSVA) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for military youth at Island Lake Camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania during the weeks of 4-17 Aug 15.

Active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve youth, ages 8-13 years or 3rd – 8th grades as of Sept 1, 2015, are eligible to apply.

Interested youth must submit a Scholarship Application and Essay on “The reasons why I should be selected to attend Island Lake Camp.” The application is due electronically not later than June 15 to Penny Dale at penny.dale@us.af.mil. Selections will be announced June 19.

Island Lake Camp will provide lodging, meals and program costs while at camp. Island Lake Camp also provides transportation to/from the following designated pick-up locations: Yonkers or Queens, N.Y.; Paramus or Livingston, N.J.; Philadelphia, Penn. Parents unable to meet at a designated pick-up location are responsible for transportation to/from Island Lake Camp. Transportation from local airports is not provided.

Information about Island Lake Camp is available at www.islandlake.com. For more information regarding the scholarships or application process, contact Penny Dale at DSN 395-7251 or penny.dale@us.af.mil.

LOCAL TRAFFIC IMPACTED 4TH OF JULY

Please be aware of the Fourth of July Parade activities that could have traffic impacts on your operations and access to your facilities or the front gate.  The City of Moreno Valley has designated the corner of Cactus Avenue and Veterans Way as the check in location for their 4th of July Parade floats/participants.

Parade check in on Saturday, July 4, begins at 7:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:30 a.m.

Parade check-in traffic will be directed to proceed south on Interstate 215 and exit east on Cactus Ave. to Veterans Way. Traffic checking in and coming from other routes will be directed to travel south on Day St. to east on Alessandro to south on Elsworth to east on Cactus to Veterans Way; or south on Graham to west on Cactus to Veterans Way; or west on Cactus from points beyond to Veterans Way. 

In addition, the widening of the eastbound lanes on Cactus Avenue is in progress, so please plan accordingly.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 6 a.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.—Intro TRX; 11 a.m.—Virtual Spin

Tuesdays: 11 a.m.—Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.—Circuit Training

Wednesdays: 6 a.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 11 a.m.—Zumba; 12:15 p.m.—Virtual Fusion Yoga; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m—Battle Ropes Circuit Training

Thursdays: 11 a.m.—Virtual Spin; 12:15 p.m.— Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.— Circuit Training

Fridays: 10 a.m.— Zumba; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.— Intermediate TRX; 11:15 a.m.— Virtual Cardio

UTA Saturdays: (A UTA) 5 p.m.—Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” (B UTA) 5-7 p.m.—Pick-up Basketball

Daily activities include:

For more information, visit the Fitness Center or call 951-655-2284.

LEARN TO FLY AT AERO CLUB

The March Aero Club offers flight training (flying, private license, ground school, instrument training) at a very reasonable rate including a pay-as-you-go plan with zero down. Visit them in Hangar 355 on base or call 951-655-3875 for more information.

NORTON-MARCH REUNION

Former 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, Tim Wrighton, announces the Norton-March reunion at March Field from June 18-20, 2015. Visit www.norton-marchaircrew.org to learn more and to register. Access from government computers may be limited, so you may have to go to the site from a computer that is not on the base network.

CONSTRUCTION AT CACTUS AVE & RIVERSIDE DR:

The City of Moreno Valley has removed the “No Right Turn” sign at Cactus/Riverside (east bound) and will see how it goes. They warned that during construction, the turn radius is not enough for tractor trailer/delivery trucks and it will be a problem for those vehicles. Please have your delivery trucks use the Heacock/Meyers entrance to the area to avoid problems with the construction crew. If a problem arises with the vehicle traffic while the construction crew is relocating the traffic signal and installing traffic modifications at the Riverside/Cactus intersection the “No Right Turn” sign will be put up again and enforced. Hopefully this will make things easier for all while the street widening project is going on. If you have any questions contact the March Community Planner and Liaison at 951-655-2236.

FOURTH COMBAT CAMERA TO INACTIVATE JULY 11

March Air Reserve Base’s 4th Combat Camera Squadron is scheduled to inactivate at a ceremony held in Hangar 452 on July 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. Team March members are invited to attend the ceremony and congratulate them on a job well done.